McGrath would carry on Hutton loss...

McGrath would carry on Hutton loss legacy

The Huntington Beach City Attorney’s Office has a horrible record

in court. Now I understand why. Deputy City Atty. Jennifer McGrath,

with all of her so-called municipal law experience, is taken to court

by her opponent, Ron Davis. And Davis wins.

The deputy, who should have known better, was found by the court

to have violated the law. Who would I want to represent me and the

city? McGrath, a deputy city attorney who, with all of her so-called

experience, still doesn’t know the law, violates the law and loses in

court? Or, Davis, an attorney who knows the law, takes action, and

wins? Even I can figure this one out.

DEAN ALBRIGHT

Huntington Beach

Strand project crucial to the Downtown

As residents of Downtown we are in favor of both the Planning

Commission and the City Council voting to unanimously approve this

mixed-use resident- and visitor-serving development known as The

Strand.

The plan follows long-held goals for Downtown and, in particular,

redevelopment of the vacant properties that form the gateway to one

of Southern California’s best locations for beachside living,

employment, entertainment and relaxation. The plan is a

well-considered mix of retail, lodging and secondary office space,

with parking integrated to our Downtown parking plan. We urge the

city’s timely consideration and approval of the proposal as

presented. In doing so, the governing panels should take into account

of the following key points:

* The Strand will introduce up to 20 stores and restaurants,

including four to six anchor tenants that will prove Downtown as a

location for high-quality retail, hospitality and commercial

enterprises capable of serving our own residents and visitors alike.

The Strand will increase the volume of hotel, sales, and property tax

revenues, creating jobs and an increased tax base desperately needed.

* The success of this leasing effort will spill over to the

benefit of not only Downtown but the entire city by removing the

present blighted condition of that portion of Downtown.

* The design enriches the character of Downtown Huntington Beach;

each building will have a unique architectural expression, consistent

with the coastal Mediterranean design theme.

I propose that the Planning Commission must also address the

remaining property in block 105, known as the “Worthy Property.” To

have that dilapidated, long neglected derelict anywhere in the city

of Huntington Beach is a disgrace, not to mention amid the Downtown

business and residential structures that represent a huge investment

in both dollars and design.

Far too much discussion has already taken place in an effort to

address the issues raised by the owners of the Worthy property. Yet

those very same owners demonstrate a callous disregard for their

surrounding neighborhood by not maintaining that so-called historical

building.

The Strand’s pedestrian and streetscape system links paseos and

5th Street shopping in a unique urban design that appropriately

merges into the Main Street character of Downtown.

For residents of Huntington Beach, it is time we continue the

Downtown improvements through an expanded shopping, dining and

community-oriented district that will truly represent the best of

shop, play and stay in Huntington Beach.

Approval of this project will be a great service to our community.

CHARLIE AND

MARGIE BUNTEN

Huntington Beach

It’s time to drop the ‘copter complaints

It’s time to put the recent letters regarding our police

“whirlybirds” to rest. This past month I have read numerous letters

complaining about the cost and noise of our law enforcement

helicopters. I live in Downtown, and the few times each week I hear

the police helicopter hovering above my home. It gives me peace of

mind. The response time of our officers is second to none. Why do you

think our city is always ranked as one of the safest in the nation?

The air support is quick, responsive and often first on the scene,

foiling burglaries, assaults and traffic violations, the last of

which I learned as a teen. The noise concerns do not present a

problem to me, as our department utilizes state of the art aircraft

which were not present several years ago. Remember the Bell 47

crop-dusters? Nobody complained when those things were flying

overhead leaking oil and shedding parts. So what’s with the fuss now?

Those of you who wish to get rid of the helicopters should crawl back

to the ‘70s, throw on your bell-bottoms and listen to your Dan

Folgelberg cassettes. When you are ready to jump back in to the 21st

century we can discuss our outrageous water/disposal rates. Until

then it is time to set this circus down.

ROD HANSEN

Huntington Beach